**The Big Tech Show: Spies, Lies and Irish Cybersecurity with Professor Richard Aldrich**

As we navigate the complex landscape of modern technology, it's easy to forget that the world of espionage has moved online. In this exclusive interview, Professor Richard Aldrich, a leading expert on intelligence, espionage, and cybersecurity, sheds light on the dark side of the digital age.

With his extensive experience in the field, Professor Aldrich warns that Ireland is vulnerable to cyber threats, making us the "weak link" in Europe. The consequences of such attacks can be catastrophic, as evidenced by recent incidents where hackers have successfully infiltrated even the most seemingly secure systems.

But it's not just about state-sponsored hacking or nation-state espionage. As Professor Aldrich reveals, the rise of digital sabotage has become a major concern for governments around the world. He explains that even everyday objects, like fridges connected to the internet, can be compromised and manipulated remotely – a chilling thought that has the UK government considering the possibility of coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure.

One such scenario involves hackers using IoT devices to create a "smart" home invasion, where multiple appliances are hacked simultaneously to cause widespread disruption. Professor Aldrich describes this as a "low-hanging fruit" for malicious actors, and warns that our reliance on interconnected technology makes us increasingly susceptible to these types of attacks.

But what can be done to mitigate these risks? According to Professor Aldrich, it's time for governments and industries to work together to create more secure online environments. He advocates for a "hybrid" approach that combines human expertise with advanced AI-powered systems to detect and prevent cyber threats before they occur.

As we continue to live in an increasingly digital world, it's essential that we prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to protect ourselves from the ever-evolving threat landscape. With Professor Aldrich's expertise and warnings, this episode of The Big Tech Show is a must-listen for anyone interested in staying ahead of the curve.

Listen to the full interview with Professor Richard Aldrich on our website or wherever you get your podcasts, and join us next time on The Big Tech Show as we explore more stories at the intersection of technology, innovation, and society.

**The Interview Highlights:**

* Ireland's vulnerability to cyber threats * Digital sabotage: the new frontier in espionage * IoT devices: a "low-hanging fruit" for hackers * Cybersecurity: a hybrid approach to protect our online lives

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